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Introducing: Rattex

• 11th May 2011

In South Africa, Rattex is a popular brand of rat poison.

Hailing from Nyanga, Cape Town, Rattex ('Rah' to his friends and fans) came into the world during an intense period of political turmoil and racial oppression. Raised by his grandmother, not knowing his father, and believing that his mother was his sister – Rattex moved to the township of Khatelitsha aged 9 to escape his violent grandfather.

His turbulent (to say the least) upbringing is strikingly apparent in his music. Standing at the forefront of proudly South African rappers, Rattex is one of the pioneers of the 'Spaza' movement; where lyrics are performed in a combination of isiXhosa, English and Cape Flats street slang.

I have been lucky enough to meet Rattex, back in 2009. Away from the stage, his quiet demeanour eludes nothing towards his hardships. Still living in Khayelitsha, his lyrics speak volumes about his love for his home – addressing important issues along the way. Isn't that why hip-hop came into being in the first place?

Rattex caught the eye of producer Dplanet in 2006, and was subsequently signed to SA label Pioneer Unit Records in 2008.

Above is the video for “Streets” – a track that appears off his 2008 album Bread And Butter. His follow up – Streets, Raps & Us – was released last year.

More information about Rattex (and other awesome artists on Pioneer Unit) can be found by following this link.

MSD